Hiring tech talent is expensive, especially for small and mid-sized businesses. Digital Lift – Tech Internships supports B.C. employers with paid tech internships, focusing on under‑represented talent. If you want to boost your team’s digital skills without committing to a full-time hire, this program is designed for you.
Digital Lift – Tech Internships is delivered by the BC Tech Association. It provides wage subsidies to employers in British Columbia who offer paid internships in tech roles. The program supports both tech companies and non‑tech businesses hiring for tech-focused positions, such as software, data, digital marketing, or IT roles.
The program’s main goals are:
The program is currently open, with intakes managed directly by BC Tech.
To apply for Digital Lift – Tech Internships, your business must meet all of the following criteria:
Both tech companies and non‑tech companies can apply, as long as the role itself is tech‑focused.
The program prioritizes interns from under‑represented groups, including:
While not every intake has identical criteria, these groups are consistently emphasized across the program.
The Digital Lift – Tech Internships program does not offer a fixed grant amount. Instead:
Because funding levels change, check the latest rules before you apply. GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter internship wage subsidies by province and business type.
Here’s how the application process typically works:
Confirm BC Tech membership
Membership is mandatory before applying.
Define your internship role
Outline responsibilities, required skills, learning outcomes, and supervision.
Identify an eligible intern
Some intakes allow you to apply with a candidate already in mind; others support matching through BC Tech’s network.
Submit your application through BC Tech
Applications are reviewed per intake, not on a rolling federal schedule.
Receive approval before hiring
Do not assume funding is guaranteed until BC Tech confirms approval in writing.
Always check the latest rules before you apply.
Applying without BC Tech membership
Your application will not be reviewed if your membership is inactive.
Posting a role that isn’t clearly tech-focused
General admin or business roles without digital responsibilities are usually rejected.
Assuming a fixed subsidy amount
Funding varies. Build flexibility into your hiring budget.
Hiring before approval
Interns hired before funding confirmation are typically ineligible for reimbursement.
Q: Is Digital Lift a federal or provincial program?
The program is delivered by BC Tech Association and targets B.C. employers, even though it may be supported by broader public funding sources.
Q: Can non-tech companies apply?
Yes. Non‑tech businesses can apply if the internship role is tech‑focused, such as software, data, or digital marketing.
Q: Do interns have to come from under‑represented groups?
The program prioritizes these groups, and many intakes require alignment with this goal. Check the current intake rules before applying.
Q: Is the wage subsidy taxable?
Wage subsidies are generally treated as government assistance and may reduce deductible wage expenses. Speak with your accountant for tax treatment specific to your business.
Q: How often does Digital Lift accept applications?
Applications are intake-based, not continuous. Timing and funding availability depend on BC Tech’s current program cycle.
Digital Lift – Tech Internships can help reduce the cost of adding tech talent while supporting inclusive hiring in B.C. If you’re considering internships, review how this program fits alongside other wage subsidies and digital grants.
GrantHub tracks thousands of active grant and internship programs across Canada. Check which ones match your business profile and hiring plans before you apply.
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